Face of America

We All Ride the Same Road April 24-26, 2015

It’s one of the largest annual non-competitive bicycle rides in the Washington, D.C. region. With nearly 600 riders, including more than 130 injured veterans, World T.E.A.M. Sports‘ Face of America ride inspires participants, spectators and supporters. This April 24-26, the 2015 Face of America ride will travel 110 miles from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia to the historic Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. REGISTER TODAY.

Presented by Capital One Bank, N.A., the Face of America honors the men and women who were wounded or disabled while in service to their nation. Participants include many disabled veterans, along with currently active military and retired military. Active duty service and emergency response men and women also join hundreds of able-bodied citizens who ride together.

Face of America riders pass through Frederick, Maryland on the early morning of April 28, 2013. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart.

World T.E.A.M. Sports has been organizing Face of America bicycle rides for more than a decade. The inaugural Face of America in 2000 saw two teams of cross-country bicyclists meet in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2002 and 2003, the ride honored the victims of the September, 2001 attacks on America. More than 1,000 participants rode from Ground Zero in New York to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia in 2002; the following year, more than 600 riders completed the journey. Since 2006, the Face of America has honored injured veterans with rides between the nation’s capital and the battlefields of Gettysburg. The New England Cable Network produced a ride documentary in 2006, The Long Journey Home. With more than 400 riders participating in the 2011 ride, regional and national media followed the riders, including coverage by FOX News, Maryland Public Television and The Pentagon Channel. The following three years, annual participants increased to more than 500, with a quarter of all participants each year being injured veterans. As in previous years, these injured veterans were accompanied by active and retired military members, first responders and civilians.

For 13 years, thousands of Americans and riders from throughout the world have participated in the Face of America ride from World T.E.A.M. Sports. From its launch as a cross-country ride in the summer of 2000, through two years of serving as the official 9/11 commemorative ride from Ground Zero in New York to Washington, to the current Washington to Gettysburg route, the Face of America ride has brought together civilians, active duty military, first responders and adaptive veterans in an inclusive bicycle ride. The Face of America bicycle ride returns April 24-26, 2015. REGISTER TODAY.

In 2015, participants will be encouraged to select their challenge. Our classic, fully-supported two-day ride from the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. to the historic battlefields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania will be the most popular, but riders may choose instead to accept the challenge of one or both of our one day metric century loop rides beginning and ending in Gettysburg. Each of these courses bring unique opportunities to honor America’s servicemen and women who have been wounded or injured, as they set and achieve new goals.

Created by World T.E.A.M Sports, and presented by Capital One Bank, N.A., the April 2015 Face of America is more than just a bike ride. It is an opportunity to share stories and build camaraderie with 600 participants while honoring America’s disabled veterans and the American spirit. With many returning riders each year, all categories of registration is expected to close by mid-March. As of January 1, the adaptive athlete category for the Arlington to Gettysburg route has reached its capacity. A waiting list is available for interested participants. Online registration for the 2015 Face of America ride is now open.

Military veterans with disabilities pay no fees to participate. All other participants pay a minimal registration fee and need to meet or exceed minimum fundraising goals. All funds raised by riders will pay the costs for those participants with disabilities, along with event costs. Any remaining funds are applied to support upcoming World T.E.A.M. Sports events across the United States.

“For most people, the road to recovery starts when they enter a rehabilitation hospital. But for me, the recovery process started in March 2007 when I left my final rehabilitation hospital and joined a team called World T.E.A.M. Sports. That’s when I accepted the challenge of riding the Face of America Ride–my very first ride and a ride that changed my life! As I look back to the harsh reality five years ago knowing I would never walk again, I am extremely humble and grateful that the Lord put World T.E.A.M. Sports in my life to be able to give me challenges that would in the most positive way alter my quality of life.”

“World T.E.A.M. Sports puts a focus on bringing together disabled and able-bodied athletes, forming a team to accomplish a goal. At World T.E.A.M. Sports, everybody comes together as a team, the disabled may help the able-bodied just as the able-bodied may help the disabled. There’s no stigma attached to being disabled at World T.E.A.M. Sports. It’s a team spirit.”

- Josh Sharpe, Face of America participant, Retired, US Navy

Gina Utegg at the Malibu Triathlon. World T.E.A.M. Sports photograph.

“For many, the Face of America may be the first challenge they face post a war, or a life trauma. This ride is special to me, as it was one of my very first experiences with my disability community post a disabling accident. I had a fear of doing it for many years: an irrational fear. So many of my doctors and neurologists were telling me all that I could not do, and it took an introduction to recumbent triking, then biking to give me an important part of my life back. With medical supervision, safety and a real lot of practice, I went from an overweight disabled couch potato to a formidable disabled athlete. I am very proud of that and humbled by what I have seen, heard, and been through along the way. My words seem too small to express how grateful I am for The Face of America ride and to World T.E.A.M. Sports. This disabled-cancer survivor’s life has truly been transformed.”

“It was in October 2006 I was seriously wounded in a complex ambush while serving in Iraq. After years of regaining my independence and confidence, I was asked to participate in the Face of America bike ride. I reluctantly agreed, questioning my own abilities. On the day of the ride, I was overcome with a great sense of pride and honor as I rode alongside my brothers and sisters in arms.”

- SSG Christopher Villalobos, Face of America participant.

Bill Czyzewski on his hand cycle. Photograph courtesy Bill Czyzewski.

“This was my first hand-bike run in my life and I enjoyed it immensely, even in all the rain. It was said at the ‘Farm’ that if anybody wanted to know what America was about they should be at the ‘Farm.’ I say if you want to know what America is about, you should be on this bike ride and talk to these heroes. To me, my ride was life changing.”

“I was truly inspired by the ride. Changing me fundamentally as a person is the best way I can sum it up. As I reflect upon the Face of America bike ride, I have seen what it means to be less ME and more US and it is an experience I will never forget. I met many people on that ride that exemplify what courage really is and it is those people that will inspire me to better than I did before.”

- Robert Knox, GE Healthcare, Face of America rider.

Mike Brickert. Photograph courtesy Mike Brickert.

“When Mike saw the ride from DC to Gettysburg, he was intrigued. One day, he said he wanted to do it to meet and support other wounded warriors. Since I ride with Mike, except in marathons where only hand cycles are allowed, I am going to make this journey as well. Riding is a mutual passion for us – that is a good thing! I am so excited to do this ride with Mike to support our veterans and meet some incredible people. We both love our country and are so proud of our men and women who have served and given more than just their time to this great nation. We will be coming from Montana to take our place among heroes and supporters in a great ride. We will be there, heart, mind, body and soul! We are ready!”

- Diane and Michael Brickert; Face of America 2012 participants. Michael is a Navy, Army Reserve and Air Force Reserve veteran and retired Washington state law enforcement officer.

Presenting Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012. Capital One Financial Corporation is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N. A., had $212.5 billion in deposits and $312.9 billion in total assets outstanding as of December 31, 2012. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has more than 900 branch locations primarily in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “COF” and is included in the S&P 100 index. We apply the same principles of innovation, collaboration and empowerment in our commitment to our communities across the country that we do in our business. We recognize that helping to build strong and healthy communities – good places to work, good places to do business and good places to raise families – benefits us all and we are proud to support this and other community initiatives.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) is a full-service broker/dealer and registered FINRA/SIPC member firm, whose primary mission is to provide the best business solutions, support and services that its financial professionals require to achieve financial freedom for their clients. The firm currently has more than 800 independent investment professionals located in over 360 branch locations throughout the nation. APFS has created a decidedly competitive presence in the industry as one of the top 50 independent broker/dealers in the country. The firm offers a full range of: 1) non-proprietary investment products, 2) personal services such as insurance planning, retirement, estate and college planning, 3) full service securities brokerage through its clearing relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm and 4) fee based asset management services through parent company subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc. (APA), an SEC registered investment advisor.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014. Benson Botsford, LLC is a privately-owned and managed financial services investment company. Founded in 2010, the company has offices in Southborough, Massachusetts and in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014. BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink that is packed with electrolytes, vitamins, and coconut water! BODYARMOR has twice the electrolytes of Gatorade, more potassium than a banana, 100% RDI of antioxidant vitamins A, C & E, 200% RDI of Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12! BODYARMOR does not have a boatload of sodium or the high fructose corn syrup that Gatorade has.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Booz Allen Hamilton has been at the forefront of strategy and technology consulting for nearly a century. Today, the firm provides services primarily to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets, and to major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Booz Allen offers clients deep functional knowledge spanning strategy and organization, engineering and operations, technology, and analytics—which it combines with specialized expertise in clients’ mission and domain areas to help solve their toughest problems. Learn more online.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014. At Devens Recycling Center, we are striving for 100% waste diversion. Preserving tomorrow’s environment drives our every action. Everyday emerging technologies and companies are developing ways to utilize construction and demolition material. Whether it is to convert these commodities into renewable energy or making new products out of debris that would have been land filled only yesterday, we are committed to finding alternative uses for all the material we receive. On the one hand, we partner with the construction and demolition firms, the waste haulers and debris producers to provide them with a processing center where they can trust that the material they generate will be handled in professional and environmentally conscientious manner. On the other hand, we partner with innovative companies who utilize our commodities to create new products or develop alternative energy thus alleviating our dependence on foreign oil. We deeply care about our environment, and want to be a leader in the waste industry always moving forward to a cleaner, safer world.

Sponsor – 2015.DuPont Fabros Technology Inc. (NYSE: DFT) is a leading owner, developer, operator and manager of enterprise-class, carrier-neutral, large multi-tenant wholesale data centers. The Company’s facilities are designed to offer highly specialized, efficient and safe computing environments in a low-cost operating model. The Company’s customers outsource their mission-critical applications and include national and international enterprises across numerous industries, such as technology, Internet content providers, media, communications, cloud-based, healthcare and financial services. The Company’s 11 data centers are located in four major U.S. markets, which total 2.75 million gross square feet and 240 megawatts of available critical load to power the servers and computing equipment of its customers. DuPont Fabros Technology is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.dft.com

Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2013.Fidelity & Guaranty Life has been a catalyst to help Middle America plan for tomorrow for over 50 years. More than 735,000 individuals count on F&G to provide safety and security through annuity and life insurance products. A pioneer of fixed indexed annuities and fixed indexed universal life insurance, F&G continues to introduce innovative products and solutions to meet the changing needs of its customers. Working with a national network of more than 25,000 independent agents, F&G believes that customers should understand their options, have an easy experience, and feel great about protecting their family and their future retirement.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014. Freshbikes is the premier bike shop concept in the greater Washington D.C. area. Locations in Arlington VA, Fairfax VA, and Bethesda MD offer a unique, large scale boutique cycling experience. Our Northern Virginia location serves as the hub for our stores which are strategically placed throughout this incredible area. Our selection, service, and expertise is unrivaled among the best bike shops globally. With many of today’s top brands on display and more importantly in-stock, Freshbikes is the go-to cycling destination for any performance minded cyclist.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. GE is honored to have over 10,000 U.S. military veterans continue their careers with the company and recently set a goal of hiring 1,000 veterans each year for the next five years. Through its partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program, GE has hired over 1,000 veterans in 2012 and has supported over thirty Hiring Our Heroes transition workshops, coaching over 2,000 veterans. Also in 2012, GE joined with business, digital, academic and not-for-profit partners to launch the Get Skills to Work coalition that aims to train 100,000 military veterans for jobs in advanced manufacturing, bolster the talent pipeline and enhance American competitiveness. GE was ranked in the top ten Most Friendly Military Employers by G.I. Jobs in 2012 and is an active member of and donor to several leading national military and veteran support organizations, such as Disabled American Veterans, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Medal of Honor Foundation, among others. To learn more visit us online.

GE works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works.

Sponsor – 2015. For 65 years, the attorneys of Lerch, Early & Brewer have helped businesses and individuals solve legal problems. Our clients trust and value us because of our experience, our intellect, our integrity and our community connections; they like us for our energy and collegiality. Our goal is for every client to feel like our only client, with practical solutions individually tailored to each situation. The attorneys in our Bethesda office serve businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations throughout the Washington, D.C., region. Clients appreciate our legal sophistication. We are proud to consistently receive recognition alongside large downtown law firms in peer review directories like Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA, as well as in publications like Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, SmartCEO and the Washington Business Journal. Skilled legal advice, thoughtful approaches, personal attention, friendly relationships—these are ideas that work.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. With more than 200,000 maintained trucks and more than 1,000 locations nationwide, Penske partners with you to meet your changing business demands and keep your company growing. We work closely with you to address your toughest challenges and create opportunities for your company. Our search for leading-edge solutions includes everything from implementing productivity-driven technology to defining optimum fleet performance strategies. Individual Penske locations actively support neighborhood charities. Our associates contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to the United Way, and when multiple hurricanes struck Florida and the Gulf Coast, we were there with trucks and fuel for emergency response teams. Move ahead with Penske Truck Rental.

Sponsor – 2015. Sila Solutions Group is an IT and Management consulting firm founded on the idea that quality talent and interesting work can co-exist. With a growing national footprint across Fortune 500 companies and Federal organizations, we solve strategic business problems within the largest and most complex environments. Our top tier, multitalented IT and Management Consultants tackle these challenges through niche expertise in information security, data management, and enterprise architecture and solutions, and we integrate our expertise against an ever-evolving technology landscape in order to empower businesses to operate securely and efficiently today and tomorrow. Our continued success is a result of the passion and ingenuity of our people who seek to positively impact our clients and our communities. We are honored and excited to channel this passion through a partnership with World T.E.A.M. Sports.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012. With a mixture of fresh ingredients, a whole lot of customer service, and a dash of innovation, the SUBWAY® brand continues to be the leader of providing nutritious and delicious sandwiches the whole family will love. SUBWAY® of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is committed to providing a wide range of great tasting, healthier food choices while reducing our environmental footprint and creating a positive influence in the communities we serve. We know that it takes more than just good food to nourish a strong people and build a vibrant community. It starts with taking care of people, the heart and soul of the SUBWAY® experience. We value the cultural richness and breadth of ideas resulting from the diversity that is fostered in who we are and what we do. We are dedicated to building strong business relationships through open communication, respect and with each other as well as by serving our customers and our neighborhoods; much like we do within our own families. We draw on the strong entrepreneurial spirit and passion that exists throughout our organization to help shape and grow our business. We strive to and create opportunities for people within the communities in which serve. We continually challenge each other to succeed through teamwork, against shared goals & benchmarks, and to be accountable for our actions. We take great pride in our business and are committed to being good global citizens; to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles and to making a difference where we live and work.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014. Three Wire Systems LLC – a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business – is a dynamic and multifaceted IT consulting and solutions firm founded in 2006. We are the leader in eliminating wasteful spend through disruptive technologies. Particular areas of focus include reduced telecommunication spend, effective IT asset management, identification of un-deployed/underutilized software assets, and reduced power consumption. Three Wire’s VetAdvisor® is the nation’s expert in veteran-centric holistic care, providing proactive coaching services across behavioral health, wellness, financial, and all aspects of transition and career development. For more information on our IT, health IT, and veteran coaching offerings and community support initiatives, visit www.threewiresys.com or www.myvetadvisor.com.

Sponsor – 2015. U.S. Silica is building inspiration through dedication to our local and Veteran community. U.S. Silica represents the future of the industrial silica and sand proppants industry. Throughout our history, we’ve worked hard to develop new and groundbreaking ways to support our customers’ success. We have a 100+ year track record as an innovator in industrial silica products and solutions. In addition to offering over 250 products, U.S. Silica also operates as a research and development specialist for customized products and solutions. The wide variety of industries and applications served by U.S. Silica includes oil and gas, glass, chemicals, foundry, building products, fillers and extenders, recreation, industrial filtration and treatment, and testing and analysis. The company operates on a platform of ethics, safety and sustainability.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014.Vedder Price is a general practice law firm with a proud tradition of maintaining long-term relationships with our clients and enjoys a world-class reputation in key practice areas. We represent clients of all sizes in virtually every industry with a responsive, results-oriented and cost-effective approach. With approximately 300 attorneys and growing, we serve clients from our offices in Chicago, New York, Washington, DC, London and San Francisco.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2012. The Veteran Corps of America (VCA) is an industry leader in providing the full spectrum of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Explosive (CBRNE) products and services; logistics and warehousing; IT products and solutions; training and simulation; and strategic program management. VCA’s mission is to offer exceptional services to our clients that consistently exceed customer satisfaction. We achieve this through responsive, intelligent, proactive, customer-focused support in all of our partnerships. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), we are committed to supporting veterans and their family members through veteran advocacy and support. VCA was founded on a family military legacy, inspired by six-year Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1964-1970), General Earle G. Wheeler. Today, VCA employs over a dozen decorated military veterans who have served in the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. “We are Veteran Enabled!” is more than a company motto, it guides us in our daily approach and work ethic. We are proud to support organizations that value the ongoing service and sacrifice of military veterans and their families.

Sponsor – 2015. Xtiva Financial Systems is a leading provider of hosted solutions for the financial services industry. Founded in 1998 and based in New York, Xtiva has developed state-of-the-art technologies that enable broker-dealers to streamline operations, from sales compensation and production reporting to supervision of advisor licensing and compliance issues. Xtiva’s portfolio of clients includes Ameriprise, AXA Advisors, MetLife, RBC Wealth Management, and Northern Trust. For more information about Xtiva, visit www.xtiva.com.

Sponsor – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Be Safe with Road ID. World T.E.A.M. Sports has joined with Road ID for a special promotional program that will provide a portion of the proceeds from sales through World T.E.A.M. Sports to support upcoming WTS events and participating athletes who are disabled.

The Road FIXX ID tags can be ordered with the World T.E.A.M. Sports logo.

Road ID is the creator of innovative ID bracelets and dog tags that are perfect for participants in sporting events. Durable and comfortable, the bracelets and the tags provide critical information about the wearer in case of a medical emergency, including name, phone number, and contact information. By wearing the bracelet or the tags in an event, you’ll be assured that even if you are unable to talk during an emergency, you’ll be able to provide critical information to medical authorities.

Exceptionally cost-effective, the Road ID bracelets and dog tags can be ordered online through their secure website. By placing your order through World T.E.A.M. Sports, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the organization and its participants.

Recognizing that emergency situations happen during rides that cover up to 65 miles during a day, World T.E.A.M. Sports offers an optional mobile messaging service for participants. This free service allows for nearly instant communication from ride leadership by cell phone messaging during the ride itself. The mobile messaging service will also be used during the ride for any important scheduling updates or changes. There are no fees associated with this service other than the usual messaging fees that may apply from your cellular phone company. To sign up, simply text FOA2015 to 95577. Or, visit our online sign up page.

Summary Terms & Conditions: Our mobile text messages are intended for subscribers over the age of 18 and are delivered via USA short code 95577. You may receive up to 5 message(s) per month of text alerts. Message & Data Rates May Apply.

This service is available for phones with text messaging capabilities, and subscribers on AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Virgin Mobile USA, Cincinnati Bell, Centennial Wireless, Unicel, U.S. Cellular®, and Boost. For help, text HELP to 95577, email info@worldteamsports.org, or call +1 855-987-8326. You may stop mobile subscriptions at any time by text messaging STOP to short code 95577.

SPONSOR A FACE OF AMERICA 2015 PARTICIPANT

Help support a participating Face of America athlete by donating today using your VISA, MasterCard or American Express card. Starting in December 2014, our convenient participant search page will bring you direct to personal event fundraising pages, as well as team pages. Funds raised through donations support our events and disabled athletes participating in our events.